Red Chestnut for obsessive worriers

Red Chestnut for obsessive worriers

This is the remedy to choose when such concern becomes so intense that it interferes with one’s everyday life.

by Linda M. Crider — 

One significant quality that distinguished Dr. Edward Bach from his more conventional medical colleagues was his insight into human behavior. For instance, after much observation and reflection, he wisely concluded that worry is a completely unproductive emotion. As a result, he included the flower essence of Red Chestnut in his healing system to help individuals with a tendency to obsessively fret about those individuals they care about.

Specifically this remedy is, in his words, “for those who find it difficult not to be anxious for other people.” This is the remedy to choose when such concern becomes so intense that it interferes with one’s everyday life.

Those who might benefit from Red Chestnut would certainly include parents who are overly anxious about something happening to their children or vice versa. However, such extreme concern can also be directed to those outside the circle of family and friends; so this remedy can help anyone who is keenly sensitive to human suffering.

To this purpose, Red Chestnut is a much-needed tonic in a world that is riddled with global crises and inhumane acts. Extensive media coverage of these atrocities and catastrophic events only serves to exacerbate the problem for the compassionate individual.

Bach was wise enough to recognize that although it is natural to be concerned for family, friends or fellow humans, neurotic fear negatively impacts both the worrier and those they fret about. He understood that projecting apprehensions and imagining worst-case scenarios can do more to energetically manifest rather than prevent unpleasant things from happening.

Contrary to what some may think, the positive result of taking Red Chestnut does not make the individual insensitive or uncaring. The purpose of taking any of the flower remedies is to restore balance, not to have the opposite effect or change the personality.

Red Chestnut helps put the issue in perspective, allowing the tormented individuals to let go of the concern and not let it affect their own quality of life. They experience some relief as they realize that life is unfolding as it is meant to and that constructive, uplifting thoughts do more to encourage positive outcomes.

Due to their inherent altruism, those considered to be Red Chestnut types are often drawn to professions such as caretaker or counselor. Of the 38 remedies in Bach’s healing system, some are referred to as “types,” while others are simply passing moods. Anyone can be temporarily in the negative Red Chestnut state; however, those in chronic need of this remedy are usually empathetic individuals who are more in tune with others. These folks have a tendency to establish close bonds that are not always emotionally healthy.

Noted Bach practitioner and author, Mechthild Scheffer, refers to this as a connection at the wrong level, and one that involves emotional bondage rather than a spiritual meeting of two souls. Whether someone is a chronic worrier or experiencing a passing but deep concern, she cautions the afflicted individual that “it is impossible, however your great effort, to prevent others from meeting their destinies.”

Linda M. Crider, BFRP, has been a promoter and educator of botanical healing practices for 15 years. She specializes in flower essence therapy and is a Bach Foundation registered practitioner and founder of Blooming Vibrations, LLC. bloomingvibrations.com or 602-774-2382.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 34, Number 2, April/May 2015.